Starting Treatment Friday

Jun 30, 2005

After reviewing past lab work and new lab work, my doctor is convinced I am in the acute phase of Hep C infection. I begin treatment this Friday with Pegasys and Ribavirin for 24 weeks. I am so concerned about the side effects and frankly scared. It often sounds like I will feel like I am dying. Can you offer me hope, other than the chance for a cure? Also, what are some of the therapies one might expect to address side effects? Thanks.

Response from Dr. McGovern

Treatment for acute hepatitis C is extremely successful. The eradication rates are extemely high so you should do well.

Interferon therapy is associated with many side effects including headache, chills, fever, poor appetite, weight loss, irritability, depression, diarrhea and other symptoms.

However, most patients have one symptom - fatigue - and some other complaints which they are willing to cope with because they are so anxious to give treatment a fair trial. Very few of my patients have been very ill secondary to interferon causing them to stop. Most get side effects which we can treat.

I think you will do extremely well and will be quite relieved if your hepatitis C is cured.

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